This is a tough story to cover because on one hand, a clearly troubled man ended his life, which is obviously terrible news. On the other, it’s not often you get to talk about actual BURIED TREASURE. Here’s what we know: 60-year-old Martin Manley was a respected former Kansas City Star journalist who not only created the NBA’s Efficiency Rating formula but also started his own website last year, Sports In Review. Yesterday, readers were directed toward another website, “Martin Manley Life and Death,” along with a blog post that read in part:

This is my final post on Sports In Review and the reason is pretty major. Before I get into that, I want to say how much I appreciated being able to follow my passion regarding statistics – more specifically, sports statistics – for so many years. It’s been a blast and I’ve had a great opportunity to make a contribution to the many areas that make up this subject.

The reason for my departure is 100% within my ability to control. You see, earlier today, I committed suicide. I created a web-site to deal with the many questions a person would rightfully have. It’s called martinmanleylifeanddeath.com. It went live today. In my opinion, there is no question which you could conceivably ask that I have left unanswered on that site. My goal with this post is closure for SIR. (Via)

Before I get into the nuts and bolts of this site, I first must say to those whom I have a special bond with, please don’t think that I didn’t consider your feelings. I’m sorry… very sorry for the hurt and pain I will have caused by my actions. In all probability, I won’t be able to justify it to you – at least not today. Maybe someday you will come to understand… better. If not today, maybe someday you will be able to read what I’ve said and learn why. Maybe someday you will be able to forgive me. I love you!

There are also well maintained, incredibly detailed sections for “My Religion,” “The Proposal,” “Trips and Travel,” “Movies & TV,” “911 & Conspiracies,” “Gun Control,” and “Suicide Preface,” which lists all the reasons most people commit suicide, none of which, Manley said, applied to him. Under “I had no financial problems”:

I sold my house which was completely paid for in 1998. The same year I bought $30,000 in 1/10 ounce gold coins and pre 1965 silver coins. Gold was $300/ounce when I bought it and silver was $4/ounce. Gold went up to $1,700 and Silver to $44 making my stash worth over $200,000.

38.800542, -94.687884

And, I had other assets, including a 401K. Besides, everyone who knows me knew I was extremely cheap. I wanted for nothing. (Via)

“38.800542, -94.687884″ would appear to be GPS coordinates, and Kansas City radio station 96.5 The Buzz has sent out reporters to find the location. It’s even being livestreamed on their website. I bet it’s doubloons.

This is crazy stuff. As a longtime and still current native of Kansas City, I have read this man’s work in The Star. He did a great job collecting and explaining his data, and I always thought of him as an extremely intelligent person.Of course I have no idea what would compel him to take this course of action in life, but perhaps he has a good reason for choosing this way to leave this world.

If they don’t find it right away, I may plan for my cub scout troop to spend Saturday doing a Geocaching mission. Knowing my luck, the guy buried a bunch of gay porn, and I will have a lot of explaining to do to a bunch of seven year-old kids.

Update for everyone: According to Manley’s sister, the buried treasure does not exist. Manley sold the gold and silver a few years back, and now local officials are trying to ward people away from the Arboretum where he allegedly buried it.

The page that lists his financial status as being just fine also states the following:

1. He never drank, smoked, did drugs or had health issues.
2. He was never arrested or in jail.
3. Never lost someone close enough that he couldn’t bear it.
4. No legal issues.
5. Went to church, played monthly poker game, used the internet.